Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Autopsy Reveals Complex Health Issues

Gene Hackman’s Health Conditions

According to the final autopsy report obtained by Fox News Digital, Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor, suffered from severe cardiovascular disease. The report detailed that Hackman had a history of congestive heart failure, severe chronic hypertensive changes in his kidneys, and had undergone multiple cardiac procedures, including the placement of coronary artery stents, a bypass graft, and an aortic valve replacement. Additionally, he had a bi-ventricular pacemaker implanted in April 2019.

The autopsy also revealed neurodegenerative features consistent with advanced-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Hackman’s brain showed microscopic findings of the disease, which likely contributed to his declining health in his final years. The report noted that Hackman died of natural causes, with no external trauma observed.

Betsy Arakawa’s Cause of Death

Betsy Arakawa, Hackman’s wife, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne disease. The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed that Arakawa contracted the virus, which is transmitted through exposure to rodent excrement. The disease is characterized by flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and cough, which can progress to severe respiratory and cardiac failure.

Investigators found that Arakawa had been researching flu-like symptoms and COVID-19 in the days leading up to her death. She had emailed her massage therapist on February 11, mentioning that Hackman had tested negative for COVID-19 after experiencing cold-like symptoms. Arakawa also ordered oxygen canisters for respiratory support before her death.

Circumstances Surrounding Their Deaths

Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26 by maintenance workers. The couple’s bodies showed signs of decomposition, with Arakawa found in the bathroom and Hackman in the mudroom. Initial investigations described the deaths as suspicious, but further examination ruled out foul play or external trauma.

Police records revealed that Arakawa had been active in the days before her death, visiting local stores and running errands. However, she failed to pick up prescription dog food and medication for their dog, Zinna, which was unusual given her consistent care for their pets. Zinna was later found dead in a crate, likely due to dehydration and starvation.

Investigation Findings

Authorities discovered widespread rodent infestation in the couple’s home, which likely contributed to Arakawa contracting hantavirus. The New Mexico Department of Health identified rodent feces in multiple areas of the property, including garages and guest homes. A discarded plaster found in the home suggested that Arakawa might have been bitten by a rodent.

Hackman, who was 95 at the time of his death, lived alone in the home for nearly a week after Arakawa’s passing. Due to his advanced Alzheimer’s disease, it is unclear whether he was aware of his wife’s death. There were no indications that he had called for help during that time.

Family’s Request for Privacy

The couple’s family had requested that authorities withhold records related to their deaths to protect their privacy. However, a judge ruled that photographs and body camera footage could be released as long as the couple’s bodies were not visible. The released footage provided additional insights into the final days of Hackman and Arakawa.

Gene Hackman, known for his roles in films such as The French Connection and Hoosiers, and Betsy Arakawa had lived a reclusive life in Santa Fe for many years. Their deaths have brought attention to the challenges of managing complex health conditions in later life.